With computer science among the highest paid jobs in the Shenango Valley, Penn State Shenango's new cybersecurity analytics and operations program is the perfect way to enter the field.
SHARON, Pa. — Penn State Shenango will launch four new majors to prepare students for local, state and national occupational demands. Corporate communications, criminal justice, cybersecurity analytics and operations, and health policy and administration will join Shenango’s offerings starting in fall 2020.
“These new majors complement Penn State Shenango’s existing business and health care offerings to empower students when choosing the program that best fits their strengths and interests,” said Campus Director Jo Anne Carrick.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau reports health care, computer science and management occupations among the highest paid jobs in Mercer, Lawrence, Trumbull and Mahoning counties.
“Families know the importance of their children earning a degree, but many may be facing financial uncertainty right now,” said Director of Enrollment Chuck Greggs. “Penn State Shenango offers families an incredible value with lower tuition and our competitive ‘$3,000 for a 3.0 GPA’ scholarship program.”
Penn State’s application for fall 2021 is now open. For help applying or for more information about any majors, future students should contact the Admissions Office at shenango.psu.edu/admissions or by calling 724-983-2803.
Cybersecurity analytics and operations
Companies and organizations around the world have a growing need for well-trained, qualified cybersecurity professionals. The cost of cybercrime is estimated to reach $6 trillion a year by 2021, according to Cybersecurity Ventures, with hackers hitting high-profile targets like Equifax, Target and the FBI.
Students will learn to analyze security issues from the perspective of human and information systems and how to anticipate and identify threats through the mastery of technology, articulate potential impacts to stakeholders, and ensure the safety of online information.
“Students typically enjoy working with and on computers, operating systems and applications,” said Matthew DeMaria, information technology instructor. “Graduates will enter the field with great salaries, flexibility and high levels of job satisfaction.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for information security analysts was $99,730 in July of 2020. In addition, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 32% through 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Cybersecurity courses immerse students in programming and other technical areas, while also emphasizing the core competencies needed to communicate potential impacts to non-technical stakeholders. Students will complete an internship in the field, allowing them to apply what is learned in the classroom to real-world situations.
About Penn State Shenango
Penn State Shenango provides an affordable and accessible education, while prioritizing the academic quality and rigor expected at Penn State. The Shenango campus is located in Sharon, midway between Erie and Pittsburgh, near the Ohio border.
The Shenango campus offers 14 undergraduate degree programs to 400 students, in addition to a master of science in nursing. The campus also offers the first two years of study leading to more than 275 majors offered throughout the University — this path is called the 2+2 plan.
